B. Forestry in the UK

Forest officers manage forests and woodlands for the production of timber, and for conservation and recreation purposes. They:

· plan an annual programme of forestry work

· organise the planting, thinning and harvesting of trees

· arrange for the sale of timber

· plan and supervise general maintenance work in the forest

· manage supervisors, employees and contractors

· make sure that health and safety regulations are followed

· are responsible for the conservation of the fores

· manage the recreational aspects of the forest

· deal with neighbouring landowners, subcontractors, timber merchants, local authorities, members of the public and others

· are responsible for financial planning, keeping records and other office tasks.

Most forest officers work between 37 and 44 hours a week. All may have to work overtime when required, including evenings and weekends. Part-time work is possible. Forest officers spend much of their time in an office. They also work outdoors in all weather conditions. Work can be dusty, noisy and muddy. Salaries range from around Ј21,792 to Ј28,385 a year.

A forest officer should:

· have an interest in the natural environment

· have strong scientific ability

· enjoy working outdoors

· have practical ability

· be able to lead and supervise other people

· have good planning and organising skills

· work well as part of a team

· have good communication skills, both written and spoken

· be physically fit.

There are around 17,000 people employed in forestry in the UK. Some are self-employed. Others work for the Forestry Commission of Great Britain, private forestry companies, consultants and contractors, estates, charities, some statutory bodies and local authorities. Entry as a forest officer is usually with either a Foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or degree in forestry. It may be important to have had relevant work experience. There is no upper age limit for entry to this work. On starting work, forest officers are usually trained by their employers. Promotion can be to a specialist area of work or may involve responsibility for a larger geographical area. There may be opportunities to work abroad.

 

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Professional foresters

When forestry was in its infancy, it was a career for hardy men who loved the outdoors. Most of the foresters worked for the government and spent their time protecting the forests against fires and illegal woodcutters.

In recent years foresters have become much more professional. Now a man or woman who wants to practice forestry is expected to have a college degree in forest sciences. Many professional foresters work for the government, but their work is different from that of their predecessors. Professional foresters are usually called on to be forest managers, directing other people in the tree planting, tree improvement, and protection activities they prescribe.

Many foresters find careers in research, working in such areas as tree improvement or insect control. Some researchers work for government agencies, but industry also employs forest scientists. People with less formal training may still find careers as forest rangers, protecting the forests, or in related activities such as harvesting and tree planting.

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Unit 2 Protecting the forest